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Online vs Offline Term Insurance in India: Can You Buy a Term Plan Without an Agent?

Neviya LaishramDec 15, 2025

Yes, you can buy a term life insurance plan in India without an agent. Online term insurance, or direct-to-consumer term insurance, removes middlemen and gives you full control of the buying process. This makes it cheaper, faster and more transparent.
This guide breaks down online vs offline term insurance and explains how each method works, what makes them different and which option suits different types of buyers.

"Feature image illustrating the differences between buying term insurance online without an agent (zero commission) versus buying offline with an agent (commission fees)."

Contents

What is the difference between buying a term plan online and offline?
What is Online Term Insurance? Definition & how it works
- What are the benefits of online term plans?
What is Offline Term Insurance? Definition & how it works
- What are the benefits of offline term plans?
Can I buy term insurance without talking to anyone?
Why should you buy term plans online from ACKO Life?
Are online term plans safe?
Which insurer offers instant term policy issuance?
What to check when buying online or offline term insurance
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between buying a term plan online and offline?

The difference between buying a term insurance plan online and offline is very clear. Yet many people still don’t fully understand how both methods work. So here’s the simplest way to see all the difference

Factor	Online Term Insurance	Offline Term Insurance
Premium Affordability	More affordable because you don’t have to pay agent commission, the insurer passes the savings to you.	Usually more expensive than an online term plan purchase, because agent or broker commissions and intermediary costs are included in the premium.
Coverage Potential	You often get a higher coverage (sum assured) for a lower premium because pricing is more direct.	An offline purchase may carry a higher premium due to commissions. But the insurer still prices based on risk for the sum assured.
Flexibility	Online plans are more flexible than offline plans. You can visit the insurer’s website, choose the plan you want, and complete the premium payment in a few clicks. Documents are shared digitally, and the medical and verification steps are handled smoothly online.	Flexibility is more limited because the process depends on the agent. You may need to coordinate with them for plan selection, comparisons, paperwork, and payments. In some cases, you might also need to visit the insurer’s office to complete certain steps.
Ease of Comparison	Easy to compare between different insurers/plans: you can open multiple tabs, check quotes, compare premiums, terms, and riders side by side.	You rely on the agent’s suggestions; comparing multiple insurers/plans may be time-consuming or limited.
Transparency	High transparency as all policy documents, terms & conditions, and premium breakdown are visible and accessible.	With offline term insurance, agents usually fill out the application forms. Because of that, transparency can sometimes vary depending on the agent.
Claim Filing	Many insurers offer online apps/portals for claim initiation. Nominees can submit required documents digitally	Claims are processed the same way, but sometimes paperwork may be physical. That can sometimes take more time.
Convenience & Speed of Purchase	Very convenient and fast. Complete purchase from home, online payment, digital forms, minimal paperwork and instant quotes.	Slower as it requires in-person meetings, physical forms or paperwork, possibly medical tests arranged by the agent; the process takes more time.
Support & Guidance	Less personal hand-holding, as you need to understand policy terms yourself or rely on online customer support. Works if you are comfortable reading and comparing.	You get personal help: the agent explains terms, recommends riders, and helps with paperwork. Highly recommended if you prefer human interaction.
Who It Suits Best	Ideal for people who are comfortable online, want low cost and quick purchases, and prefer making decisions themselves.	Ideal for people who prefer personal interaction, need help understanding insurance terms, and want someone to guide them through the process.

What is Online Term Insurance? Definition & how it works

Online term insurance refers to term plans that you purchase directly through an insurer’s website or app without an agent. These plans are also called direct term insurance, digital term plans, or self-purchase term insurance.

Here’s how the online buying journey typically works:

You visit an insurer’s website or an online insurance platform.
On the page’s calculator/widget, you enter basic details like your age, income, smoking habits and required coverage. Then you click “Check Prices.”
You see the premium amounts and what riders are available, like critical illness cover or accidental death benefit, in case you want to add.
If you are aligned with the quote, you fill out the application form online and submit it.
Depending on your health profile, the insurer may schedule a medical test. This medical test helps the insurer understand your health, assess the risk, and set an accurate premium.
Once approved, you receive your policy digitally.

What are the benefits of online term plans?

Many people prefer buying term insurance online in India because of the benefits it offers:

Lower premiums because there’s no agent commission.
Complete transparency, as you can compare plans side-by-side.
Fast and convenient, available 24/7.
Paperless process, everything stored digitally.
More control, since you make the decision yourself without sales pressure.

Get ₹1 crore term insurance cover from just ₹18/day from ACKO term insurance, with zero commission and direct online purchase.

What is Offline Term Insurance? Definition & how it works

Offline term insurance is purchased the traditional way through an insurance agent, advisor, broker or by visiting the insurer’s branch.

Here’s typically how offline buying works:

You meet an agent or advisor who explains different plans.
They help you fill out the proposal form and collect documents.
They coordinate medical tests and the submission of health reports.
The insurer processes the application and issues the policy.
You receive a physical policy document.

What are the benefits of offline term plans?

Here are the benefits of buying term insurance plans offline in India:

You get personal assistance if you’re not familiar with insurance terms.
An advisor can explain riders, exclusions and clauses in simpler language.
Some people feel more confident when a friendly expert helps them fill out the forms.
Offline buying works well for older individuals who are not comfortable with digital tools.

Can I buy term insurance without talking to anyone?

Yes, you can buy term insurance in India without talking to an agent, advisor, or salesperson. Many people prefer buying without talking to anyone because of the following reasons:

Privacy and convenience while making financial decisions
No sales pressure or upselling to buy a more expensive plan, higher coverage, or extra add-on riders
Faster approval and instant policy access
Lower premiums due to no agent commissions
Available 24/7 on your phone or laptop

ACKO’s term plan is ideal for people who prefer a quick, self-service buying experience.

Why should you buy term plans online from ACKO Life?

You should buy term plans online from ACKO Life because of the following reasons:

Save Money: You get affordable premiums plus 0% GST
Save Time: 100% online, zero paperwork, instant policy
Trust & Security: 99.12% claim settlement ratio*
Flexibility: Customise coverage, riders, payout options
Support: 24/7 access through the ACKO Insurance – Apps on Google Play
Digital-first + proven record: ACKO General Insurance has served over 78 million customers with an excellent claims settlement ratio. No agents, simpler processes, and a modern claim/coverage experience.

Are online term plans safe?

Yes, online term plans are completely safe if you buy them from trusted insurers. Your policy is backed by the same IRDAI regulations, whether purchased online or through an agent.

Which insurer offers instant term policy issuance?

There is no life insurer that provides instant term policy issuance for all applicants.

Term insurance is a financial protection product that involves underwriting and risk assessment, meaning the insurer needs to evaluate your health, age, lifestyle, and other factors before issuing a policy, so it cannot be issued instantly in the way simpler products (like car or travel insurance) can.

However, the fastest way to get a term policy issued is to apply online through a digital platform. Once you submit your application and meet the eligibility criteria (including health declarations and documentation), the insurer can complete underwriting and approve your policy within a few days.

What to check when buying online or offline term insurance

No matter how you buy your term plan, whether online or offline, there are a few things you should check carefully.

Sum assured (coverage amount): Make sure the coverage is enough to realistically support your family.
Policy term (duration): Choose a policy term that covers you long enough.
Claim-settlement ratio & insurer reputation: Always check if the insurer has a good track record of honouring claims. strong past performance is a good indicator of reliability.
Riders & add-on benefits: Depending on your needs, add riders such as critical illness cover, accidental death benefit, or disability benefits.
Premium payment options: Check if the insurer allows you to pay annually, half-yearly, or monthly. Make sure you choose the right payment option that suits your financial situation.
Health & personal declarations: Be honest when filling in your health and lifestyle details. This is important to help avoid issues during claim time.
Your comfort with the buying process: If you’re comfortable with digital tools and reading policy documents yourself, buying a term plan online may save you money.
If you prefer an expert to explain details, help with paperwork, or clarify doubts, the offline method (through an agent) might feel safer.
Compare before you buy: Compare multiple plans across insurers. This helps you choose a plan that suits your needs, as every plan is unique in its own way.

Conclusion

The choice between online vs offline term insurance depends on your comfort and personal style of decision-making. If you want lower premiums, a fast buying experience, full transparency, and no agent involvement, then online term life insurance is a wise choice. If you prefer personal guidance and a human explanation, then offline term insurance may be a better option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the frequently asked questions on Online vs Offline Term Insurance in India: Can You Buy a Term Plan Without an Agent?

Is there a term plan that doesn’t require an agent to buy?

Yes, many insurers in India offer online term insurance plans that you can buy directly without an agent.ACKO Life Insurance offers fully digital term plans where the entire process happens online. You can check prices, choose your coverage, fill out the form, upload documents, complete medical tests, pay premiums online, and get your policy digitally. This means there are no in-person meetings and zero agent involvement.

Is the premium cheaper if I buy a term plan online instead of through an agent?

In many cases, yes, because there’s no agent or broker involved, insurance companies don’t add extra commission or middleman costs, so the premium tends to be lower.

Does the coverage differ between online and offline term plans?

No. Coverage, protections, sum assured, and claim benefits remain the same. Only the purchase mode differs.

Are there term plans available that don’t require offline or agent-based purchase?

Yes. ACKO’s term plan lets you complete the entire purchase online. This means no broker, no physical paperwork. You get the same coverage and claim rights as traditional plans.

Are online policies valid for claim settlement?

Yes, Online and offline term insurance policies follow the same IRDAI-regulated claim process.

Can I get customer support if I buy the policy online?

Yes. Insurers offer chat support, email help, call centres, and dedicated claim assistance, irrespective of purchase mode.

Can I add riders when buying term insurance online?

Yes. ACKO term insurance allows you to add riders like critical illness, disability, and accidental death benefits while purchasing online.

Which type of buyer is online term insurance best suited for?

Online term plans are great for people who are comfortable using the internet. If you prefer to check details yourself, compare options on your phone or laptop, and get lower premiums, buying online might be the perfect fit for you.

Who should consider buying term insurance offline?

Offline term insurance works well if you prefer talking to an agent who can explain the policy details, help you with paperwork, or guide you step-by-step.

Can I buy term insurance without talking to anyone?

Yes. You can purchase a term insurance plan completely online without talking to an agent or visiting a branch. With ACKO’s digital process, you compare premiums, choose the right coverage amount you need, fill out the proposal form, make the payment online, and receive your policy digitally.